1
as in wise
displaying or marked by rude boldness
the nervy waiter held up the small tip and called out to the departing customers, "Hope it doesn't break the bank!"
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in adventurous
inclined or willing to take risks
nervy rock climbers wanting to make gravity-defying ascents
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in nervous
feeling or showing uncomfortable feelings of uncertainty
I'm a little nervy about my first job interview
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nervy
Nevada scored a late TD in that one to cause a nervy final two minutes.
—
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
But, while there have been the occasional nervy moments, Sels has also thrived under pressure.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2025
But, while there have been the occasional nervy moments, Sels has also thrived under pressure.
—Paul Taylor, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025
The thriller — more horrific than straight-up scary — is worth checking out, if only for the late Brittany Murphy's nervy turn as a razor-wielding woman confined to a sanatorium.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Oct. 2025
And McConaughey, as a nervy reluctant hero, steers the searing, intense narrative about normal people living through the most hellish of circumstances.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nervy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nervy
Adjective
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Or similarly, users pointing out that the Ratliff children, when seated three abreast, resemble the three wise monkeys of see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
7 Jan. 2026
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Up in the balcony, even Statler and Waldorf have stopped cracking wise.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The couple also chose an adventurous activity for their honeymoon in 1996.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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Desserts, too, are both adventurous and delicious.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Naturally, Duff was a little nervous for her return to performing.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
20 Jan. 2026
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And Caroline Renee has a nervous, heartbroken energy as the granddaughter Lucy, who longs to end the family drama before her grandpa dies.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Blunt played up the cheeky bodycon design, wearing nothing but a completely sheer black mesh skirt over it.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
14 Jan. 2026
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Participants in the cheeky tradition will also receive a downloadable Valentine's Day card to share with friends (or exes) and a video celebrating the holiday featuring a popular zoo resident.—
Erin Clements,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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They’re already established A-list people, so that doesn’t seem particularly daring to say.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
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And as a result, the show became more daring, elevated, and cinematic, with Kit Harington joining the cast.—
Louis Staples,
Glamour,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Udoiwod was worried how his athleticism would bounce back this season.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
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In the play, W is worried about the environmental impact of yet another human on the planet.—
Manuel Mendoza,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Fran Drescher channeled Fran Fine for her bold and beautiful glam at the 2026 Golden Globes.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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This simple taupe geometric style peel-and-stick wallpaper is affordable, easy to apply, and looks gorgeous without being too bold or loud.—
Brittney Morgan,
Travel + Leisure,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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The new mayor is best served by a fearless watchdog making sure that the public’s interests are protected from thievery and graft, which is sure to happen.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
11 Jan. 2026
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The comedian, known for her razor-sharp wit and fearless approach to comedy, made waves with her hosting debut in 2025, earning critical acclaim for her performance.—
Jenzia Burgos,
StyleCaster,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Nervy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nervy. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.
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